Pingris and Fajardo are the only newcomers to SMART-Gilas, tapped by Reyes to address the team’s needs on defense and off the boards.

Reyes coached Castro, Alapag, Williams, Ryan Reyes, Fonacier, and De Ocampo at Talk ‘N Text. The latter two were also members of the SMART-Gilas squad that won the William Jones Cup last year along with Chan, Norwood, Thoss, David, and Tenorio.

Slaughter joined the national team earlier this year for tuneup tournaments in Dubai and Hong Kong.

Reyes will still need to select the final 12 members for the team.

The squad will represent the Philippines in Asia’s top regional cage competition, which serves as qualifier for the FIBA World Cup next year.

The Philippines will be hosting the FIBA Asia Championship for the first time in 40 years.